UNESCO Opens 17th Call for Cultural Diversity Fund Proposals

UNESCO Opens 17th Call for Cultural Diversity Fund Proposals. UNESCO has announced the 17th Call for Funding Requests under the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD), inviting proposals aimed at strengthening cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in developing countries. The deadline for submissions is 6 May 2026 at 12:00 noon (Paris time).

The IFCD provides financial support to projects that enhance the creation, production, distribution, and access to cultural goods and services. It also funds initiatives that build sustainable cultural industries, strengthen institutional and civil society capacities, and promote inclusive participation in cultural life.

Eligible applicants include public institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international NGOs from countries that are Parties to the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

UNESCO emphasized that the fund plays a vital role in advancing cultural diversity globally by enabling projects that foster innovation, sustainability, and equitable access to cultural resources. Since its inception, the IFCD has supported numerous initiatives that have contributed to strengthening creative economies and promoting cultural exchange.

Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare proposals that align with the fund’s objectives and demonstrate clear impact on cultural and creative industries. Full details on eligibility and application procedures are available on UNESCO’s official website.

The 17th call reaffirms UNESCO’s commitment to supporting cultural diversity as a cornerstone of sustainable development, ensuring that creative industries continue to thrive in developing countries.